Second Battle of Trenton (1777): Battle of Assunpink Creek

Battle at a Glance

Historical Background

Washington’s Victory at Trenton

On December 26, 1776, George Washington’s Continental Army defeated a Hessian garrison at Trenton after crossing the Delaware River during a winter storm. The victory restored American morale after months of defeat in the New York Campaign.

Washington captured nearly 900 prisoners and valuable military equipment. More importantly, the victory demonstrated that the Continental Army remained capable of offensive action.

The British Response

British commanders could not ignore the defeat at Trenton. Their winter outpost system across New Jersey had been exposed as vulnerable to sudden attacks against isolated garrisons.

Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis, who had been preparing to return to Britain, was ordered to resume active operations. He gathered forces to confront Washington and restore British control of the region.

Washington Returns to New Jersey

After withdrawing to Pennsylvania with the Hessian prisoners, Washington crossed the Delaware again and reestablished a position near Trenton.

His army was reinforced by militia and additional Continental troops. Nevertheless, the soldiers remained poorly supplied, and many enlistments were about to expire.

The Enlistment Crisis

December 31, 1776, marked the expiration of service for many Continental soldiers. Washington urgently needed these men to remain with the army.

He appealed to their patriotism and offered financial incentives for continued service. Many agreed to remain for an additional period, providing the manpower necessary for the next operation.

British Concentration at Princeton

Cornwallis concentrated troops around Princeton and prepared to advance toward Trenton. His objective was to force Washington into a battle in which British regulars could exploit their numerical and professional advantages.

The British believed Washington’s position near the Delaware River offered an opportunity to trap the Americans.

The American Defensive Problem

Washington faced a difficult strategic situation. The Delaware River lay behind his army, while Cornwallis approached from the north and east.

A direct battle against the entire British force could destroy the Continental Army. Washington therefore needed to delay the enemy, defend favorable terrain, and preserve an avenue of escape.

Assunpink Creek

Assunpink Creek provided a natural defensive obstacle south of Trenton. Its banks, crossings, and the bridge carrying the main road offered Washington an opportunity to concentrate his troops.

The position could force British infantry to attack across restricted approaches under American musket and artillery fire.

The Road to January 2

On January 1, British and American forces maneuvered around the approaches to Trenton. Washington prepared defensive positions while Cornwallis assembled the troops needed for his advance.

The following morning, the British moved toward Trenton, initiating a day of delaying actions and intense fighting around Assunpink Creek.

Commanders & Participating Forces

American Command

Washington commanded a force consisting of Continental regulars and militia from several states. The army included troops that had fought at the first Battle of Trenton and reinforcements that joined afterward.

George Washington

Washington recognized that Cornwallis possessed sufficient strength to threaten the Continental Army with destruction. He therefore adopted a defensive strategy intended to delay the British and exploit the natural barrier of Assunpink Creek.

His most important decision came after nightfall, when he chose to maneuver around Cornwallis rather than await a renewed British attack.

Edward Hand

Colonel Edward Hand commanded American troops assigned to delay the British advance along the Princeton Road. His riflemen used successive positions and skirmishing tactics to slow Cornwallis.

These actions bought Washington valuable time to prepare the main defensive line.

Henry Knox

Knox directed the American artillery. Cannon positioned on the south side of Assunpink Creek covered the bridge and nearby approaches.

The artillery contributed significantly to the repulse of British attacks during the late afternoon and evening.

John Cadwalader

Cadwalader commanded Pennsylvania troops that reinforced Washington after the first Battle of Trenton. His command increased the manpower available to defend the creek.

The presence of militia alongside Continental regulars reflected Washington’s dependence upon both established military formations and temporary reinforcements.

British Command

Cornwallis commanded the advancing British force, which included experienced infantry, artillery, and German auxiliary troops.

Charles Cornwallis

Cornwallis was an experienced British commander who had participated in the campaign against Washington around New York. He intended to bring the Continental Army to battle and reverse the American success at Trenton.

His advance on January 2 forced Washington into a defensive position, but the British failed to cross Assunpink Creek before nightfall.

Charles Mawhood and Princeton

Mawhood commanded British troops stationed in the Princeton area. His force was not the principal attacking formation at Assunpink Creek.

However, the troops under Mawhood became central to the Battle of Princeton the following day, when Washington’s nighttime maneuver brought the Americans into contact with them.

Understanding Troop Strength

American strength is commonly estimated at approximately 5,000–6,000. British estimates vary more widely, often ranging from approximately 5,000 to 8,000 depending upon which formations are included.

Not all troops in either army fought at the bridge simultaneously. Some were engaged in delaying actions, held in reserve, or stationed elsewhere along the approaches.

Battlefield Geography & Terrain

Trenton and the Delaware River

Trenton occupied an important position near the Delaware River. Roads connecting Princeton, New Brunswick, and Philadelphia passed through the town.

The Delaware formed a significant obstacle behind Washington’s army. A defeat near Trenton could leave the Americans trapped against the river.

Assunpink Creek

Assunpink Creek flowed through Trenton before entering the Delaware River. Its channel and banks created a natural defensive barrier.

Washington positioned much of his army south of the creek, where the ground offered advantageous fields of fire toward the northern approaches.

The Stone Bridge

The principal road through Trenton crossed Assunpink Creek by a stone bridge. The crossing became the focal point of the late-afternoon fighting.

British troops advancing through the town had to approach the bridge under fire from American infantry and artillery on the opposite bank.

The South Bank

The southern bank provided Washington with elevated positions for infantry and artillery. Troops could fire toward the bridge and the approaches from the town.

The defensive arrangement concentrated American firepower against troops attempting to cross a relatively narrow obstacle.

The Princeton Road

The main British advance followed the road from Princeton toward Trenton. This route passed through the area of Maidenhead, now Lawrenceville, before approaching the town.

American delaying forces exploited roads, woods, and stream crossings to slow Cornwallis.

Shabakunk Creek

Shabakunk Creek and nearby crossings provided opportunities for American skirmishers to delay the British advance.

The creek system and surrounding terrain forced the British to move through predictable approaches where small American detachments could resist briefly before withdrawing.

Five Mile Run

Five Mile Run was another feature along the approach to Trenton. The Americans used successive positions in the surrounding countryside to harass and delay the advancing British troops.

These delaying actions consumed daylight and contributed to the British arriving at the principal American position late in the afternoon.

The Town Streets

Trenton’s streets channeled British movement toward Assunpink Creek. The buildings and road network complicated the deployment of large formations.

As British troops entered the town, American forces withdrew toward the creek and the prepared defensive line.

The Southern Road Network

Roads south and east of Trenton offered Washington an alternative to remaining behind Assunpink Creek. These routes became critical during the nighttime withdrawal toward Princeton.

Washington’s army used a circuitous route around Cornwallis’s position, allowing it to approach Princeton from an unexpected direction.

Winter Conditions

Cold weather and winter roads affected both armies. The ground, stream crossings, and muddy routes complicated movement.

During the night after the battle, falling temperatures helped firm some of the roads, making the movement of artillery and wagons more manageable.

Weapons, Equipment & Logistics

Continental Infantry Weapons

American infantry carried a mixture of smoothbore muskets and rifles. Many Continental soldiers possessed bayonets, although equipment varied among units.

The defensive position behind Assunpink Creek allowed infantry to concentrate musket fire against British troops approaching the bridge.

Edward Hand’s Riflemen

Hand’s Pennsylvania riflemen were particularly suited to delaying actions. Their weapons allowed accurate fire from covered positions, although rifles generally loaded more slowly than military smoothbore muskets.

The riflemen could harass the advancing British and withdraw before being overwhelmed.

British Infantry Weapons

British regulars carried military muskets and bayonets. Their training emphasized coordinated volleys, disciplined movement, and bayonet attacks.

At Assunpink Creek, however, the narrow crossing limited the ability of British infantry to deploy its full strength.

American Artillery

Henry Knox’s artillery played an important role in defending the creek. American guns were positioned to fire toward the bridge and its approaches.

The artillery could concentrate fire upon British formations moving through restricted terrain.

British Artillery

Cornwallis’s force possessed field artillery capable of supporting the advance. British guns fired upon American positions during the engagement.

However, the British could not easily eliminate the American defensive advantage before darkness.

Artillery Ammunition

Field artillery could fire solid shot and other ammunition suited to different battlefield circumstances. At relatively short distances, anti-personnel ammunition was especially dangerous to concentrated infantry.

Specific claims about the exact ammunition fired by individual guns at the bridge require supporting contemporary evidence.

Supply Problems

Washington’s army remained short of food, clothing, and equipment. The soldiers had endured months of campaigning and repeated winter marches.

The British possessed more established logistical support, but the advance from Princeton required troops to march and fight through difficult conditions.

The Night March

After the battle, Washington needed to move infantry, artillery, ammunition, wagons, and other equipment without alerting Cornwallis.

The movement required careful organization and discipline. Any major delay could have exposed the Americans to a renewed British attack at dawn.

Intelligence & Operational Planning

Cornwallis’s Objective

Cornwallis intended to defeat Washington’s army near Trenton. British commanders believed that Washington’s position south of the town, with the Delaware River behind him, created an opportunity for a decisive victory.

Washington’s Assessment

Washington understood that his army could not safely fight a prolonged open battle against the entire British force. He therefore sought to exploit favorable defensive terrain while preserving his ability to maneuver.

American Reconnaissance

Scouts and advanced detachments monitored British movements from Princeton. Their reports helped Washington estimate the direction and timing of Cornwallis’s advance.

Hand’s Delaying Mission

Colonel Edward Hand received the responsibility of slowing the British along the Princeton Road. His troops used stream crossings and wooded positions to conduct successive delaying actions.

The purpose was not to defeat Cornwallis in the open countryside but to buy time for the main army.

The British Advance

Cornwallis moved from Princeton toward Trenton on January 2. American skirmishers resisted at several points, forcing British troops to deploy and clear positions before continuing.

Washington’s Defensive Line

While Hand delayed the British, Washington concentrated troops behind Assunpink Creek. Infantry and artillery were positioned to cover the principal crossings.

British Attacks at the Creek

As the British reached Trenton, they attacked toward the stone bridge. American troops fired from the opposite bank, repelling the attacks.

The British could not secure a crossing before darkness.

The British Decision to Halt

Cornwallis halted major operations as night fell. He expected to renew the attack the following morning, when his troops could be reorganized and brought into action.

The decision gave Washington time to consider his options.

The American Council of War

Washington consulted his officers about the danger of remaining behind Assunpink Creek. A renewed British assault could overwhelm the position or threaten the American flanks.

The American command decided to withdraw during the night and move around Cornwallis toward Princeton.

Concealing the Withdrawal

Washington left campfires burning and maintained enough activity near the defensive line to conceal the departure of the main army.

These measures helped prevent the British from immediately recognizing that the Americans were moving away.

The March Toward Princeton

The Continental Army followed roads south and east of the British position before turning toward Princeton.

The maneuver transformed an apparently dangerous defensive situation into an opportunity to strike British troops farther north.

Second Battle of Trenton: Interactive Timeline

Tactical Analysis & Command Decisions

Phase One: The British Advance from Princeton

Cornwallis advanced toward Trenton with the intention of defeating Washington’s army. His troops followed the principal road through Maidenhead and the surrounding countryside.

The movement required the British to pass through several locations where American troops could delay the advance.

Phase Two: Edward Hand’s Delaying Actions

Hand’s riflemen and supporting troops occupied successive positions along the Princeton Road. They fired upon the advancing British and withdrew before being overwhelmed.

The delaying action consumed valuable time and forced Cornwallis to advance cautiously.

Phase Three: The Withdrawal Toward Trenton

As British pressure increased, the American advanced troops withdrew toward the main defensive line.

The movement preserved their manpower while allowing Washington to complete preparations behind Assunpink Creek.

Phase Four: Washington Concentrates His Army

Washington placed infantry and artillery south of the creek. The principal bridge became the most important point of defense.

The Americans could concentrate fire against British troops approaching the crossing.

Phase Five: Cornwallis Enters Trenton

British troops advanced through the town late in the afternoon. American troops withdrew across the creek and joined the defensive line.

The British now faced a narrow crossing covered by Continental artillery and musket fire.

Phase Six: The Bridge Assaults

British infantry attempted to cross the stone bridge over Assunpink Creek. The attacks encountered heavy American fire from the opposite bank.

The restricted crossing prevented the British from bringing their full strength into action at once.

Phase Seven: Artillery Dominates the Crossing

American artillery fired upon troops approaching the bridge. The combination of cannon and musket fire made the crossing exceptionally dangerous.

British troops were unable to establish a secure bridgehead before darkness.

Phase Eight: Cornwallis Halts

As night fell, Cornwallis halted the attacks. His troops were tired after the march and repeated fighting.

The British commander expected to renew the assault the next morning.

Phase Nine: Washington Chooses Maneuver

Washington understood that the creek position could not necessarily withstand a full British assault the following day.

Rather than remain trapped, he ordered a nighttime withdrawal toward Princeton.

Phase Ten: The March Around Cornwallis

The Continental Army moved around the British position under cover of darkness. Campfires and limited activity helped conceal the withdrawal.

The maneuver allowed Washington to attack British troops near Princeton on January 3.

Conceptual Tactical Diagram

The following schematic illustrates the principal British approach, American delaying positions, the Assunpink Creek defense, and the nighttime withdrawal. It is not to scale.

Why the American Defense Succeeded

The American defensive position forced the British to attack across a restricted crossing under concentrated fire. Washington’s artillery and infantry could direct their weapons toward the bridge and nearby approaches.

Hand’s earlier delaying actions had also reduced the daylight available to Cornwallis.

Why Cornwallis Failed to Force the Creek

The British reached Trenton late in the day after repeated delays. Their troops were tired, and the American defensive line was well positioned.

Without sufficient time to reorganize and conduct a more deliberate attack, Cornwallis postponed further operations.

Why Washington Withdrew After Winning the Defense

The American success at the creek did not eliminate the danger posed by Cornwallis’s army. A renewed British attack could threaten Washington’s position or expose his flanks.

Washington therefore chose to preserve the army and regain the initiative through maneuver rather than remain in a potentially vulnerable defensive position.

The Soldier’s Experience

Winter Campaigning in New Jersey

The soldiers of both armies operated during the difficult winter of 1776–1777. Roads were muddy or frozen, and many American troops lacked adequate clothing and equipment.

Washington’s men had endured repeated marches and battles during the preceding weeks.

Hand’s Riflemen on the Princeton Road

American riflemen assigned to delay Cornwallis fought a mobile action along the road toward Trenton. They occupied covered positions, fired upon British troops, and withdrew before being overwhelmed.

Such operations required discipline because remaining too long could result in capture or destruction.

The British March

British soldiers marched from Princeton toward Trenton while encountering repeated resistance. Each delay required troops to deploy, engage the Americans, and resume the advance.

By the time the British reached Trenton, they had spent much of the day marching and fighting.

Defending Assunpink Creek

American infantry gathered behind the creek and prepared to defend the bridge. Soldiers could observe British troops approaching through the town.

The creek provided protection, but the defenders remained exposed to enemy artillery and musket fire.

The Bridge Fighting

British troops attempted to cross the bridge while American infantry and artillery fired from the opposite bank.

The narrow crossing concentrated the attackers and made movement difficult under fire.

Artillery at Close Range

Cannon fire added to the danger for soldiers approaching the bridge. The sound of artillery, musket volleys, and shouted commands filled the area around the creek.

For the defenders, maintaining their positions was essential to preventing the British from establishing a foothold on the south bank.

Nightfall

As darkness approached, the British attacks ceased. American soldiers remained behind the creek, aware that Cornwallis might renew the assault the following morning.

The army had won time but remained in a dangerous position.

The Secret Withdrawal

During the night, American soldiers prepared to leave their defensive positions. The movement required silence and coordination to prevent the British from discovering the maneuver.

Campfires continued burning while the main army withdrew.

The March Toward Princeton

The soldiers marched through the winter night along roads leading around Cornwallis’s position. Artillery and wagons accompanied the movement.

The troops faced another battle the following morning, when Washington’s army encountered British forces near Princeton.

The Human Cost

Although the Americans successfully defended the creek, the fighting caused deaths and injuries on both sides. The repeated British attacks exposed soldiers to concentrated musket and artillery fire.

The battle also imposed severe physical strain upon men who had already endured weeks of winter campaigning.

Where Was Your Ancestor’s Unit?

The Second Battle of Trenton is important for Revolutionary War genealogy because it involved Continental regiments, Pennsylvania and New Jersey militia, artillery companies, and British regular units. Researchers must distinguish service in the delaying actions from service along the main Assunpink Creek defensive line.

American Units and Commands

Edward Hand’s Pennsylvania Riflemen

Hand’s troops conducted the principal delaying actions along the road from Princeton. Pension applications may describe fighting at stream crossings, roadside positions, or the withdrawal toward Trenton.

Researchers should determine whether the ancestor served directly under Hand or in another unit supporting the advanced guard.

Continental Infantry at Assunpink Creek

Washington concentrated Continental infantry along the southern bank of the creek. Soldiers assigned to these formations participated in the defense of the principal crossings.

Regimental service records and brigade assignments may help establish the general position of an ancestor’s unit.

Continental Artillery

Artillerymen under Henry Knox played an important role in defending the bridge. Their guns fired upon British troops attempting to cross the creek.

Researchers should examine artillery company returns and correspondence rather than assuming every artilleryman present served at the principal bridge.

Pennsylvania Militia

Cadwalader’s Pennsylvania troops reinforced Washington during the days following the first Battle of Trenton. Their participation demonstrates the importance of temporary militia formations during the Ten Crucial Days.

Researchers should distinguish Pennsylvania Associators, militia, and Continental troops.

New Jersey Militia

New Jersey militia contributed to the American campaign. Their local knowledge and participation in regional operations helped support Washington’s movements.

Individual service should be established through county rolls, officer correspondence, and pension testimony.

British Units

British regular infantry, light infantry, artillery, and German auxiliary troops participated in Cornwallis’s operation.

Researchers should consult British muster books and regimental histories to determine whether a particular unit advanced to Trenton or remained elsewhere in the Princeton area.

Charles Mawhood’s Command

Mawhood’s troops were stationed around Princeton and became central to the battle on January 3. They should not automatically be listed as fighting at the Assunpink Creek bridge on January 2.

Revolutionary War Pension Applications

American veterans sometimes described the January 2 fighting in pension applications. Accounts may mention the creek, bridge, British attacks, artillery, or the nighttime march to Princeton.

Because testimony was often recorded decades after the events, researchers should compare it with contemporary military returns.

Distinguishing the Two Battles of Trenton

The first Battle of Trenton occurred on December 26, 1776, against Johann Rall’s Hessian garrison.

The Second Battle of Trenton occurred on January 2, 1777, against Cornwallis’s advancing British army.

These were separate engagements with different commanders, troop dispositions, and tactical objectives.

Distinguishing Trenton from Princeton

Washington’s army fought at Assunpink Creek on January 2 and marched toward Princeton during the night.

A soldier present at Assunpink Creek did not necessarily participate in every phase of the Battle of Princeton the following morning.

Common Research Errors

Do not confuse the December 26 Battle of Trenton with the January 2 engagement.

Do not assume every soldier in Washington’s army fought at the stone bridge.

Do not assign all Pennsylvania riflemen to Hand without confirming their unit.

Do not confuse Cornwallis’s attacking troops with Mawhood’s Princeton command.

Do not assume every American artillery company was positioned at the principal crossing.

Do not use later regimental names without checking the unit’s designation in January 1777.

Do not treat the Ten Crucial Days as one continuous battle.

Battle Outcome & Casualties

American Defensive Success

The Second Battle of Trenton ended with Washington’s army holding the principal crossings of Assunpink Creek. Cornwallis failed to force the bridge before darkness.

The Americans achieved their immediate defensive objective and preserved the army for further operations.

British Losses

British troops suffered casualties during the delaying actions and attacks against the creek. The principal bridge assaults exposed soldiers to concentrated American musket and artillery fire.

Some historical accounts estimate several hundred British killed and wounded, but the exact number is uncertain.

American Losses

American troops suffered casualties during the advance-guard fighting and defense of the creek. Some secondary accounts place American losses at approximately 100, although a reliable consolidated return is difficult to establish.

Losses should not be attributed entirely to the bridge fighting.

The Failure to Force the Crossing

Cornwallis’s troops could not establish a secure crossing before nightfall. The American position remained intact despite repeated British pressure.

The inability to force the creek prevented the British from completing their intended destruction of Washington’s army that evening.

The Strategic Result

The Americans held their position at nightfall, but the more important result was Washington’s successful withdrawal.

By avoiding a renewed battle and attacking Princeton, Washington turned Cornwallis’s apparent advantage into a strategic setback.

Strategic Aftermath

Washington’s Night Withdrawal

After the fighting ended, Washington recognized that remaining behind Assunpink Creek would expose the Continental Army to a renewed British attack.

He therefore ordered a nighttime withdrawal and directed the army toward Princeton.

Concealing the Maneuver

American campfires remained burning, and limited activity near the creek helped conceal the movement of the main army.

The British did not immediately recognize that Washington had abandoned his defensive position.

The March Around Cornwallis

Washington’s army moved along roads that bypassed the British position and approached Princeton from an unexpected direction.

The maneuver required careful coordination because the army had to move artillery and supplies during the winter night.

The Battle of Princeton

On January 3, 1777, Washington’s army encountered British troops near Princeton. The resulting battle ended in another American victory.

The success at Princeton completed a remarkable series of operations that began with the crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night.

The Ten Crucial Days

The period from December 25, 1776, through January 3, 1777, became known as the Ten Crucial Days.

During this brief campaign, Washington transformed the military situation in New Jersey through surprise, defensive maneuver, and renewed offensive action.

British Withdrawal from Forward Posts

The American victories forced British commanders to reconsider their dispersed positions across New Jersey. The British concentrated more of their troops in stronger posts, including New Brunswick.

The change reduced their ability to control the surrounding countryside.

American Morale

The victories at Trenton and Princeton restored confidence in Washington’s leadership and the Continental Army.

Soldiers and civilians who had feared the collapse of the Revolution now had evidence that the Americans could defeat British and German forces.

Washington’s Operational Skill

The Second Battle of Trenton demonstrated Washington’s ability to combine defensive tactics with strategic maneuver.

He used the creek to delay Cornwallis, then avoided a potentially disastrous engagement by withdrawing and attacking elsewhere.

The Historical Importance of Assunpink Creek

The Second Battle of Trenton is sometimes overshadowed by the more famous victory of December 26 and the Battle of Princeton.

Yet the defense of Assunpink Creek was essential to the campaign. Without the delaying actions and successful defense on January 2, Washington might not have preserved the army long enough to strike Princeton.

Primary Sources & Historical Research

The Second Battle of Trenton is documented through American and British military correspondence, Continental Army returns, officer accounts, and later historical studies. Important research questions concern the timing of Cornwallis’s advance, the locations of Edward Hand’s delaying actions, the number of British attacks at the bridge, the casualty totals, and the precise route of Washington’s nighttime withdrawal.

Primary Sources

1. George Washington’s correspondence, January 1–5, 1777. Documents the movements around Trenton and Princeton and the results of the campaign.
2. Washington to John Hancock, January 5, 1777. A major contemporary report describing the operations at Trenton and Princeton.
3. Henry Knox’s correspondence. Provides evidence concerning Continental artillery and the winter campaign.
4. Continental Army returns and orders. Help establish the strength and organization of participating formations.
5. British military correspondence. Provides the British perspective on Cornwallis’s advance and Washington’s withdrawal.
6. Edward Hand’s service records and associated correspondence. Relevant to the delaying actions along the Princeton Road.
7. Revolutionary War pension applications. Preserve testimony from soldiers who participated in the fighting and nighttime march.

Historical Studies

1. David Hackett Fischer, Washington’s Crossing. A major scholarly study of the Ten Crucial Days and the military operations around Trenton and Princeton.
2. William S. Stryker, The Battles of Trenton and Princeton. A detailed historical investigation incorporating documentary evidence and battlefield research.
3. David McCullough, 1776. Provides narrative context for Washington’s campaign and the winter victories.
4. Christopher Ward, The War of the Revolution. A comprehensive military history of Revolutionary War operations.
5. U.S. Army Center of Military History, The New Jersey Campaign, 1776–1777. Examines the campaign and its military consequences.

Online Historical Resources

1. American Battlefield Trust — Second Battle of Trenton. Battle history and campaign context.
2. Founders Online — National Archives. Washington’s correspondence and related documents.
3. Library of Congress — George Washington Papers. Contemporary correspondence and military records.
4. National Archives — Revolutionary War Records. Military service and pension research.
5. Washington Crossing Historic Park. Historical interpretation of the Ten Crucial Days.
6. New Jersey Historical Commission. New Jersey Revolutionary War research.
7. U.S. Army Center of Military History. Military history publications.
8. Library of Congress — Maps. Historical maps of New Jersey and Trenton.
9. The National Archives, United Kingdom. British military correspondence and records.

Research Notes and Historical Cautions

Battle date: January 2, 1777.

Alternative name: Battle of Assunpink Creek.

Location: Trenton, New Jersey.

American commander: General George Washington.

British commander: Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis.

American strength: Approximately 5,000–6,000, including Continental troops and militia.

British strength: Approximately 5,000–8,000 in the wider advancing force; estimates vary.

American advanced guard: Colonel Edward Hand’s riflemen and supporting troops.

Principal defensive position: South bank of Assunpink Creek.

Principal fighting: Princeton Road delaying actions, Trenton, and the Assunpink Creek crossings.

Bridge attacks: British troops made repeated efforts to force the crossing; accounts differ concerning the exact number of distinct assaults.

Artillery: American guns were positioned to cover the principal crossings and contributed to the repulse of the attacks.

Casualties: Disputed; no universally accepted consolidated return.

Immediate result: American defensive success.

Night operation: Washington withdrew most of his army and marched toward Princeton.

Strategic consequence: The Continental Army escaped Cornwallis and won the Battle of Princeton on January 3.